DANCE GCSE
The exam board is AQA.
If you choose Dance, you will be assessed on three key areas:
Component 1
Performance (30%)
You will be marked on your performance of:
o Two, one minute solo phrase. These are set by AQA.
o Three and a half minute trio, which you are taught.
Choreography (30%)
You will be marked on your application of choreographical skills in response to stimuli set by the exam board.
You will choreograph a three minute group dance for 5 dancers.
Component 2
Appreciation (40%)
You will complete a one hour and thirty minute written exam. Questions are based on your own practice in performance and choreography and the GCSE Dance anthology, which is made up of six professional works.
What can I expect?
In year 10 you will have a theory lesson once every two weeks.
In year 11 you will have a theory lesson each week.
You will be expected to perform in shows and attend rehearsals after school.
You will be expected to work with everyone in the class and perform in front of the class.
You will need excellent organisational skills, which include having the correct kit for every Dance lesson.
Listening skills are very important and excellent attendance.
You need to be prepared to give everything a go, love watching Dance, discussing Dance, being challenged and immersing yourself in the lessons.
You need to be passionate about Dance!
‘Seeing Dance students grow in self- esteem as they gain confidence and seeing how proud they are of what they achieve is wonderful.
Dance is something to be passionate about.’
The Dance Department.
Further Education and Career Pathways after Year 11:
You can continue to study Dance at College, courses include:
o AS/A2 Dance
o Level 3 BTEC Dance
o Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts
o Level 3 RSL Dance
Studying Dance could lead to a career as a performer, choreographer or teacher.
Former Brune Park Dance students have had success with these careers.
The skills you learn during the Dance GCSE course will be seen as desirable and valued by employers in a huge variety of careers. Skills such as:
o Creativity
o Communication
o Teamwork
o Problem solving
o Leadership
o Organisation
o Ability to work under pressure
o Confidence
o Resilience
‘Dance is vital, an activity both exhilarating and liberating to watch or do. The instinct to dance is fundamentally joyous and no matter how hard you try you can’t get away from it for long. It can also be a huge force for good, effectively drawing people together and levelling everyone through hard work. It can speed up your heart rate, it can enliven your being, it can change your life.’
Richard Alston
Year 10 Dance GCSE students say:
‘You have to be able to work with everyone in the class. You get to know everyone really well. We stick together’
‘I love performing in shows, I am so proud of what I can do now’
‘You need to be committed and give 100%, but it is brilliant and worth it’
‘I love my Dance lessons, practical and theory’
‘Opt for Dance, you will not regret it!’